Baclofen (Lioresal)

Common Use

Baclofen is used for treating spasm of skeletal muscles, muscle clonus, cramping of muscles, rigidity, spinal cord injury, and pain caused by disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Baclofen acts by relaxing skeletal muscles, which are the muscles that move the skeleton (also known as striated muscles).

Dosage and Direction

Take Baclofen exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take the medication in larger doses or for a longer time than prescribed. Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Swallow it whole. The usual initial dose for adults is 5 mg three times daily. The dose may be increased by 15 mg every three days to a maximum of 80 mg/day in divided doses.

Precautions

Your doctor needs to know your medical history, especially regarding kidney disease, diabetes, seizures, stroke, and any unusual or allergic reactions to Baclofen, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you suddenly stop taking your medicine, you may develop a severe reaction. The dose will be gradually reduced over time to avoid side effects, and your doctor will monitor this process. Follow your doctor’s advice. You may feel drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking the medicine or change doses. Stand or sit up slowly. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires your attention and could be dangerous until you know how the medicine affects you.

Contraindications

Patients with an allergy to Baclofen should not use it. Before taking Baclofen, tell your doctor about any allergies to other drugs. Also, discuss if you have kidney disease, epilepsy or other seizure disorders, or a history of stroke or blood clots. You may not be able to use this drug.

Possible Side Effects

Inform your doctor or healthcare professional immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, or hives,
• Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue,
• Chest pain,
• Constipation,
• Low blood pressure,
• Hallucinations,
• Vomiting,
• Respiratory depression,
• Inability to sleep,
• Increased urinary frequency or urinary retention, and seizures.

Other side effects that usually do not require medical attention but should be reported if persistent or bothersome include confusion.

Drug Interactions

Baclofen may interact with other medications and products such as alcohol, antihistamines, medications for depression, anxiety, and other mental conditions, pain medications like codeine, oxycodone, tramadol, and propoxyphene, sleep aids, and phenobarbital. Using Baclofen with other drugs may lead to additional reduction in brain function. For example, using Baclofen and tricyclic antidepressants together may cause muscle weakness; using Baclofen and monoamine oxidase inhibitors can result in greater depression of brain function and low blood pressure.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.

Overdose

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children.